Small Group Questions | Trust in God Alone | Isaiah 36-37

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | Trust in God Alone | Isaiah 36-37

In Isaiah 36–37, we see God’s people facing intense pressure, fear, and uncertainty. A powerful enemy stands before them, using intimidation and lies to shake their confidence in God. In many ways, this mirrors our own lives where voices of fear, doubt, and uncertainty can feel loud and overwhelming. King Hezekiah had a choice: trust in his own strength or run to God. Instead of giving in to fear, he brought his concerns directly to the Lord in prayer. This passage reminds us that when life feels unstable, God invites us to come to Him; not with polished words, but with honest dependence. Study this passage as a group and talk about what it looks like to trust God fully. 

1) When you think back to your childhood, did you ever encounter someone who tried to intimidate or pressure others (like a “bully”)? How did people typically respond?

2) Read Isaiah 36:1-10. The Assyrian Field Commander, Rabshakeh, tries to install fear into the lives of God’s people. When you read this passage what tactics did he use to intimate God’s people? (see Genesis 3:1-5 and John 8:44

3) What are some voices in your life that try to install fear into your life? When do you find those voices to be the loudest and how have you been able to hear the voice of the Lord over those intimating voices? 

4) Read Isaiah 37:1–7. What stands out to you about how Hezekiah responds when faced with fear? How is his response different from how we typically react under pressure? (see Joshua 1:9, Psalm 34:4, and Philippians 4:6-7). 

5) Hezekiah not only goes to the temple but also seeks out Isaiah. Why is it important to involve others when we’re struggling? Who are the people in your life you can go to when things feel overwhelming? (see Hebrews 10:24-25 and Galatians 6:2). 

6) Read Isaiah 37:14-20. Hezekiah prays in three parts: recognizing God’s greatness, sharing his problem, and asking for help. How might your prayer life change if you followed this pattern of prayer? (see Psalm 5:3, 20:7, and 62:8)

7) God ultimately delivers His people in Isaiah 37. What is one area of your life right now where you need to stop trying to control the situation and instead run to God? What would that look like practically this week?

Close your time in prayer asking God to show you how to live an obedient life.